Artwork

Untitled

Untitled, by Wayne Thiebaud, ink, 1964
Untitled, by Wayne Thiebaud, ink, 1964

Untitled is an ink print by Wayne Thiebaud. It dates from 1964 and is held in the collection of the Museum of Modern Art.

About this work

Overview

Untitled is a 1964 print by Wayne Thiebaud, part of a portfolio of seventeen etchings. It is an etching and aquatint on paper.

Subject & Meaning

The print depicts a grid of cakes on plates, arranged on a plain surface. The cakes are stylized, with clean edges and smooth surfaces, evoking a sense of simplicity and elegance. The image is a representation of everyday objects, a theme common in Thiebaud's work.

Technique & Style

The etching is characterized by bold lines and minimal shading, achieved through a combination of etching and aquatint techniques. The graphic style is simple, with a focus on clean lines and minimal texture, contributing to the overall sense of elegance.

Context

Thiebaud's work from this period is associated with the pop art movement, due to its focus on mass culture items and everyday objects. Although his style predated the peak of the movement, it aligned with its themes, exploring the representation of common subjects.

Artist & collection

Artist

Wayne Thiebaud

Wayne Thiebaud ( TEE-boh; born Morton Wayne Thiebaud; November 15, 1920 – December 25, 2021) was an American painter known for his colorful works depicting commonplace objects—pies, cakes, lipsticks, paint cans, ice…

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Museum of Modern Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.